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Cubs-Angels talk doesn't produce deal

Cubs-Angels talk doesn't produce deal

9/14/12: Carlos Marmol induces a double-play ball from Jeff Clement to earn his 20th save and seal the Cubs' 7-4 victory over the Pirates

By Carrie Muskat
/
MLB.com |

CHICAGO -- Carlos Marmol is staying put.

There were reports Friday, including statements attributed to Marmol himself, that the Cubs had dealt the closer to the Angels in exchange for pitcher Dan Haren. Marmol was quoted by a news outlet in the Dominican Republic about the deal.

"I like Anaheim," Marmol said, according to El Caribe. "They have talent, and they'll give me an opportunity. I'm grateful to Chicago."

However, no deal was made, and the Angels declined to pick up Haren's $15.5 million option, making the right-hander a free agent.

According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs pulled the deal off the table. The Angels were believed to be talking to other teams interested in Haren.

Marmol, 30, is coming off a season in which he converted 20 of 23 save opportunities and posted a 3.42 ERA in 61 games. The Cubs do not have an obvious closer in the wings, but could've gone with lefty James Russell, righty Rafael Dolis or righty Alberto Cabrera.

Haren, 32, fell short of 200 innings for the first time in eight seasons in 2012, tossing 176 2/3 because of back problems, which landed him on the disabled list for the first time in his career. He was 12-13 in 30 games with a career-high 4.33 ERA.

The Angels were believed to be willing to exercise Haren's option and pay the $3.5 million equivalent of the buyout as part of a trade in order to get a quality player in return. Haren has said he doesn't want to leave California.

The Cubs, coming off a 101-loss season, are in the market for at least two starting pitchers after dealing Paul Maholm and Ryan Dempster at the Trade Deadline.

Dempster's deal also did not go smoothly. The Cubs had reportedly agreed to send him to the Braves in exchange for Randall Delgado in July, but the deal was leaked before the right-hander had agreed to waive his no-trade rights, and it fell through. Dempster was eventually sent to the Rangers at the Trade Deadline.